From the Principal

St Anne's School Review

Last week, St Anne's conducted a comprehensive school review to evaluate our performance across all areas of school operations. Using the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) School Improvement Tool, a panel conducted interviews with staff, students, and families to identify our strengths and areas for improvement.

Thank you to the parents and carers who contributed to these discussions. I appreciate everyone's openness and honesty during the interviews, which have provided an accurate reflection of our current standing as a school.

I was thrilled to hear the review panel commend the welcoming environment they experienced and the high level of hospitality evident here. They also noted their impression of our community's respect for the dignity of each individual and their dedication to the wellbeing of our community. The spirit of St Anne’s was clearly evident in their experience and observations. 

We will soon receive a draft report for review and confirmation by our executive leadership team before a final report is issued. The insights and recommendations will guide the development of a new School Improvement Plan, which will inform our strategic initiatives over the next three years.

Catholic Identity Review

Our review week concluded with a Catholic Identity assessment. The panel commended St Anne's for being a genuine and proud Catholic school. They highlighted their positive impression of the Catholic symbols and icons displayed throughout the school, as well as our commitment to prayer. Our executive team collaborated with the panel to establish goals, which will include a review of our Vision and Mission statements, as well as enhancing our understanding of Catholic Identity and fostering ongoing formation for all staff in this area. We appreciate Elizabeth Holligan’s preparation and organisation of this review.

Reconciliation Week

St Anne's will observe Reconciliation Week through various activities. I look forward to participating with our FIRE Carriers at the Shepparton Sorry Day Event at Monash Park on Monday. Additionally, students will dedicate part of their Pastoral Group sessions to learning about and reflecting on the significance of Reconciliation Week in Australia. One of our activities will involve exploring the beautiful Indigenous artwork displayed at St Anne's. The pictured painting represents the seven days of creation (the rings), with a hidden image of a grandmother and her grandchild integrated into the design.

Cultural Celebration Day

On Tuesday, we will be holding our annual Cultural Celebration Day. This event provides an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the rich cultural diversity within our St Anne's community. Students are invited to wear traditional cultural attire to mark the occasion.

To ensure this day is respectful and can be enjoyed by all, students are to wear items that are significant to their own culture only. This is not an opportunity to dress in alternative cultural clothing. If students do not wish to dress in their own cultural wear, they must wear their school uniform. 

We will gather as a whole school community at 11:35am for a special flag presentation ceremony. Parents are welcome to attend. We kindly ask that you sign in at the College reception.

Enrolments

Enrolments are now open for Foundation and Year 7 students. We are looking forward to interviewing prospective students in the coming weeks as we begin to offer first round enrolment places.

Inter-School Sports

I have been thrilled to hear of the exemplary conduct demonstrated by St Anne's students during recent inter-school sports competitions. Maintaining excellent behaviour is particularly important, especially when representing our school in public settings.

College Advisory Council

This month the St Anne's College Advisory Council are looking at the following items:

New multipurpose sports area (project costs and possible fundraising), School Communication and a review of our Catholic Identity practices. 

Please email our School Advisory Council Chair Tunya Jarvis if you would like anything raised at our meetings. Emails can be sent to nminicozzi@sackialla.catholic.edu.au.

Entry and Exit Routines

All classes and students across the school have set entry and exit routines to assist with maintaining a calm and respectful environment. Ask your children about these routines if you would like to find out more!

Article of the week:

Here are some helpful tips on raising caring kids:

https://catholicweekly.com.au/7-tips-raising-kids/  

Anthony Butts

Principal